Inequality Among Social Groups in Accessing Improved Drinking Water and Sanitation in India: A District-Level Spatial Analysis

Abstract

Persisting wide inequality among various geographical spaces and social groups is a significant disincentive to India’s healthy socioeconomic growth and human development. Therefore, arranging adequate safe drinking water and sanitation for all (United Nations Sustainable Development Goal [SDG] 6) and reducing inequality among social groups (United Nations SDG 10) by 2030 is a big challenge to one of the most populated and eco-socio-culturally diversified nations. We have tried to map the inequality among social groups and geographical space in accessing improved drinking water and sanitation (IDWS) facilities. Besides, we have classified Indian districts through the quadrant analysis technique, combining these two aspects of inequality (district-level geographical inequality and inequality between Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe [SC/ST] and other groups). This might find inclusive, sustainable strategies, reducing inequality between social groups and geographical space. The study was carried out in about 46 percent to 60 percent of districts characterized by lower coverage of various IDWS facilities, with more SC/ST community deprivation in accessing these facilities. Despite having higher coverage of IDWS facilities, nearly 45 percent to 49 percent of districts showed a higher deprivation of SC/ST groups in this case. The study’s findings demand more attention and investment to develop IDWS facilities among SC/ST groups and lower performing districts.